Using a Time Timer to increase appropriate waiting behavior in a child with developmental disabilities.
This study aimed to examine the use of a predictive stimulus (Time Timer) and delayed reinforcement to increase appropriate waiting behavior in a child with developmental disabilities and problem behavior maintained by access to tangible items and activities. The study employed a changing criterion design across settings to gradually increase reinforcement delay from 1s to 10 min. Firstly a baseline phase was conducted to measure the duration of appropriate waiting behavior to access tangible reinforcers/activities. Phase 2 involved the use of a red cue card and the verbal instruction "wait". Phase 3 involved the introduction of the Time Timer with the cue card attached, and the verbal instruction "wait". Finally, Phase 4 utilised the Time Timer without the cue card. This method was an effective strategy for increasing appropriate waiting behavior with this participant in a school setting. The role of adding a concurrent activity during the reinforcement delay, using cues to predict reinforcement, future generalization, maintenance and the teaching of functionally equivalent skills are discussed.
Grey
Ian
I
Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
Healy
Olive
O
Leader
Geraldine
G
Hayes
Deirdre
D
D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012055:Reinforcement Schedule